vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Acercarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to approach", and "alejarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to move away". Learn more about the difference between "acercarse" and "alejarse" below.
acercarse(
ah
-
sehr
-
kahr
-
seh
)A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to approach
Acércate al perro con cuidado porque podría ser rabioso.Approach the dog carefully, because it might be rabid.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to take an interest in
El libro me hizo acercarme a la política exterior.The book made me take an interest in foreign policy.
3. (to travel)
acercar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
alejarse(
ah
-
leh
-
hahr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to move away
En caso de incendio, aléjate del área y cierra tantas puertas como puedas.In case of fire, move away from the area and close as many doors as you can.
a. to go far from
¡Niños tengan cuidado! ¡No se alejen mucho de la cabaña!Children be careful! Don't go too far from our cabin!
3. (to leave)
a. to withdraw from
Después de perder las elecciones, se alejó de la política.After losing the election, she withdrew from politics.
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
alejar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to move away from
Aleja la taza del borde de la mesa. Puede caerse.Move the cup away from the edge of the table. It might fall.
a. to dispel
El objetivo de la asistencia financiera fue alejar las preocupaciones concernientes a las finanzas de los países de la zona euro.The goal of the financial assistance was to dispel worries about eurozone countries' finances.
